Reviewed by: Nicole & Thomas
The tour was nothing to write home about. The captain had corny jokes; from the boat, you couldn’t see anything but the hau trees that lined the river; once you get to the grotto, it’s a pretty view but you’re 50-100yards from the cave entrance. The family sang but with all the people there, you could barely hear.
The taxi ride from Poipu was $70 each way. Add that to the cost of 2 tickets($60), this tour was not worth $200. Had we been located closer to the harbor, we might have been able to justify the cost.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/06/12 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/10 |
Reviewed by: Cindy
The experience was okay, and easy for most. The river cruise was relaxing and walk to the Grotto was not strenuous. However, the Fern Grotto was disappointing. It did not look like a "grotto" at all. The musical entertainment was okay but nothing to rave about. Something to do for seniors and children; otherwise, the tour is nothing to be excited about.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/06/05 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/09 |
Reviewed by: Mike Nelson
We had a great time with the kayak to the sacred falls. Our tour guide T was phenomenal. He was very personable ( even learned all 12 of our names during the trip) and taught us many things along the trail. We are novice kayakers and felt that the trip was well suited to our abilities. The hike was very easy as well. Would highly recommend and would like to say a huge thank you to T for making the experience over the top.
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/05/19 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/16 |
Reviewed by: Grace
Absolutely beautiful cruise, nice easy walk to grotto. The crew was fantastic, great music and history told throughout the cruise. My elderly mother really enjoyed the cruise.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/05/05 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/03 |
Reviewed by: OneHauteMom
This was a fun shorter excursion with a relaxing boat ride to the grotto and live entertainment onboard. A cute experience.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/05/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/30 |
Reviewed by: Tara Haefner
Mike was a fantastic guide! He made it fun and was very knowledgeable about the area!!
Aloha Tara,
Keeping it fun, safe and leaving with some knowledge to help you understand the natural history is the aim in all our snorkel, waterfalls and Na Pali paddling tours.
Mike exemplifies this philosophy.
Thanks for sharing. Stay well and keep learning.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/26 |
Reviewed by: Hannah
Perfect length to keep young kids entertained, fun captain stories and singing.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/25 |
Reviewed by: OBrien’s
Nice boat ride to the Fern Grotto. Driver & dancers were awesome. The singers were exceptional. They sang the Hawaiian wedding song just like they did for us 50yrs ago on our honeymoon. We weren’t able to go inside as before. But it was still magical all the same. Thank you. Carl & Terri OBrien
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/04/28 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/26 |
Reviewed by: Familywithkids
The grotto was beautiful, the dancing and singing was great. The overhead boat speakers were really hard to hear- we couldn't make out the stories they were telling well. If you get stuck in the middle, you can't see anything. Overall, it's not something I'd do more than once.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/04/16 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/14 |
Reviewed by: Brad
Great trip. A must do for outdoors people. Leisurely paddle , rain showers and hiking through mud. Uneven terrain. Wading across rivers and getting a refreshing swim in the waterfall pool. So much fun!!! Bring rain gear, wear good shoes……. we wore keen sandals, and wear a swimsuit for the waterfall swim.
Aloha Brad, We market this tour for the active family. We also tell folks to "embrace the mud" at times. Thanks for your review and letting others know
what gear to bring. Until then...thanks for making it possible. Stay active and safe.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/04/07 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/05 |
Reviewed by: J Slayton
Went on this kayak, hiking and swimming adventure with my sister. It did not disappoint at all.
Justice our guide was fantastic! He was knowledgeable, super friendly and made sure everyone was having fun and doing good. His dog precious girl Koi was such a treat to have as our companion, we just loved her.
The Kayaking was refreshing and captivating with beautiful surrounds for a hike. It was not a difficult or long hike so can be done by most and allowed us to just have a great time. I would highly recommend this activity and tour company Kayak Kauai / NaPali Outfitters, Inc.
Aloha J,
Rumors are that Justice's dog is who is really guiding his tours.
Seriously, thanks for taking the time to share your experience and kind words. You make it possible for us to do what we do and to share the beauty of Kaua'i.
Stay paddling and active.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/03/26 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/15 |
Reviewed by: Beverly Kramer
Once again the Smith family didn’t disappoint us with this river cruise. Telling us a little bit about the Smith family and the 5 generations who have worked there. Told us about the plant life on the island. We were treated to a Hawaiian song at the end of our short hike. My 81 year old father had no problems walking this short walk. On the way back to the dock we were given hula lessons and told what each hand gesture meant. Then we all did the luau while the song was being sung. It was awesome!
When we arrived to the island I thought I booked the cruise on the Wednesday but it was on Tuesday. I was called because we weren’t there and told it was no problem and that they would be rescheduled for the Wednesday.
Wonderful experience! I HIGHLY recommend is cruise!
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/03/22 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/15 |
Reviewed by: Louis
Wonderful and beautiful experience. We had a great time. Friendly and informative staff.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/03/17 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/15 |
Reviewed by: Tiffany
We could not have imagined how beautiful the scenery would be. The singing and dancing was an added bonus. The Smith family really did an amazing job providing a fun filled adventure.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/03/16 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/14 |
Reviewed by: Chris Matishak
We enjoyed the Wailua river boat cruise. It was very efficiently run. The entertainment was delightful; entertaining and informative. Enjoyed the walk to the fern grotto and the history there. Loved the scenery.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/03/01 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/25 |
Reviewed by: Annalisa
The staff was very friendly and they try really hard to be sure you have fun even if the cruise itself can be a little bit boring.
I didn’t appreciate that they don’t say anything to people who don’t wear a mask even if it’s still mandatory. That part was really annoying.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/02/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/21 |
Reviewed by: Ginger from Kansas
The Smith's Wailua River Cruise was very good. The open windows were fantastic for taking pictures. We cruised at a relaxing speed. It was fun to watch the people in Kayaks and on paddle boards along the way. There is a roof on the boat so it's very shady & the padded bench seats are comfortable. We were entertained with interesting history about the river and area.
It was easy to get in & out of the boat. The Fern Grotto was a very lush & beautiful area. There were no mosquitoes or flying insects when we were there between 11 A. M & 12:30 P. M.
At the Grotto & on the boat, we were entertained with singing and dancing. It was a very enjoyable time for all.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/13 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/11 |
Reviewed by: Connie
Excellent tour! Our guide Lizzie was super informative and helpful. We paddled our hearts out
and then loved the hike through the lush landscape. Lizzie pointed out all the native plants and birds. The waterfall was spectacular and worth the work.
Aloha Connie, Thanks for letting us know that Lizzy continues to excel. Lizzy brings a real love and professionalism to our tours and has raised the bar a wee bit. Thanks again and keep paying attention to our friends the, birds, bees and plants. A hui hou, Micco /Head Guide
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/09 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/04 |
Reviewed by: Debbie
This was a good trip. The boat was clean and well-kept-up, and everyone was very friendly. Fern Grotto is pretty, and the local entertainment makes the event fun. It's a relaxing, quiet trip and a good way to see some of the beauty of Kauai.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/06 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/04 |
Reviewed by: Sonja Newton
Every time I come to Kauai, I do this River Cruise and it never gets old. It is entertaining, educational, beautiful and just plain fun for all ages. I especially appreciate that the staff and crew always seen to be enjoying themselves as well!
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/01/31 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/06 |
Reviewed by: sebastian
i whole experience was amazing. The employees greeted guests with enthusiasm and personality, very happy and entertaining. the boat ride took us giding down the river providing beautiful sites and emotions. the fern grotto and short walk were great as well. all around a+ adventure.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/01/09 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/06 |
Reviewed by: Lee
First, our driver/guide Orlando was simply amazing. He was quite knowledgeable and helpful. Orlando’s sense of humor kept us relaxed and laughing. Orlando picked us up right on time. We mentioned to him we would need frequent restroom stops. Not only was he accommodating but he was very picky about where he stopped being conscious of cleanliness. Speaking of cleanliness, our vehicle was spotless and very comfortable. We loved his guidance and took him to lunch. I cannot recommend this tour more highly. When you book, be sure to ask for Orlando!
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Packages: | Kauai Private North & East Tour: See Hanalei Bay & Wailua and Opaekaa Falls |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/01/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/30 |
Reviewed by: Colleen
The Smith’s Wailua River Cruise was a beautiful way to spend our morning. Start off by learning some island history and geography by a native guide from the Smith Family. Ours was Wade.
Once you arrive at the Fern Grotto, you’ll walk a beautiful path to get there and learn about its natural history and cultural significance as well as anything you’d like to know about it. We learned so many fascination facts and it was so beautiful and peaceful.
On our way back, we were treated with professional musicians and a top notch dancer. Everything about the small group of performers was beautiful from the sweet sounds of the musicians to the graceful display of cultural dance. You couldn’t get better quality and for the price!
It was an honor and gift to ride with the Smith Family. Looking forward to coming back with the kids.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/12/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/03 |
Reviewed by: Justin T
Wish it didn’t rain the whole time but they can’t control that obviously. I recommend it.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/12/24 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/22 |
Reviewed by: Umar
It's a nice way to spend an hour on the water with some fun Hawaiian music. It's relaxing and a calm way to just chill. The actual fern grotto was an incredible sight to see and enjoy. That was the best part. Just a couple of minutes of walk from the dock to the main area where you see and appreciate the phenomenon.
Fun!
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/12/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/10 |
Reviewed by: Sharon
The building where we pay and gather is very depressing. The boat ride was uneventful, the grotto was a beauty of nature. We music was okay, we could tell the performers were tired because it was the last trip of the day, but they were nice and accommodating.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/12/11 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/17 |
Reviewed by: Andrew
We loved our tour to the secret falls. The kayak was sturdy and we never felt like there was a risk of flipping. G was a great guide and the sandwich lunch was filling and tasty. We would recommend it to anyone.
Aloha Andre,
"G" must be our guide Garrick. Garrick brings a true love of the outdoors of Kaua'i, Alaska, etc. We are very fortunate, all of us, sharing his particular brand of Aloha and grasp of the cultural and natural history of the Wailua River complex.
Thanks for the 5 stars.
Happy Holidays,
Micco
Head Guide
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/11/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/22 |
Reviewed by: Cooper
Our guide was informative and friendly. The waterfalls were beautiful and my partner and I had a great time. There were sandwiches, chips and soda that was provided so bring water. They supply dry bags which is a must have. Our host cut up a pineapple at the end and gave us tips on some local areas and food spots to check out.
Aloha Cooper,
I guess we can't do better than amazing. Thanks for a very nice reviews. I believe we are the only company that offers lunches on the river.
Stay paddling, active and Happy Holidays.
Thanks for sharing.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/11/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/02 |
Reviewed by: Arizona
Good way to spend a couple of hours meandering down a river.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/11/28 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/24 |
Reviewed by: :-)
We have two toddlers so this was a nice adventure to take with little ones. The fern grotto is beautiful.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/11/14 |
Activity Date: | 2021/10/18 |
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Aloha Mike,
Thanks for your nice review.
That's impressive that Mr T had all your names down! We are very pleased to have Mr T, after he left us for a moment to the Big Island. We know him to always to give 100%.
Thanks for taking the time to share and giving folks an idea of what is tour is like.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide